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October 24, 2002, 12:49 AM EDT
Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose, head of the task force investigating the Washington-area sniper, has attempted to deliver messages through the media to the gunman.
His statements at briefings:
Sunday: "To the person who left us a message at the Ponderosa last night. You gave us a telephone number. We do want to talk to you. Call us at the number you provided. Thank you."
Monday morning: "The message that needs to be delivered is that we are going to respond to a message that we have received. We are preparing our response at this time."
Monday afternoon: "The person you called could not hear everything you said. The audio was unclear and we want to get it right. Call us back so that we can clearly understand."
Tuesday afternoon: "We have received a communication and we will be responding soon."
Tuesday night: "These past several days, you have attempted to communicate with us. We have researched the options you stated and found that it is not possible electronically to comply in the manner that you requested. However, we remain open and ready to talk to you about the options you have mentioned. It is important that we do this without anyone else getting hurt. Call us at the same number you used before to obtain the 800 number that you have requested. If you would feel more comfortable, a private post office box or another secure method can be provided. You indicated that this is about more than violence. We are waiting to hear from you."
Wednesday night: "We understand that you communicated with us by calling several different locations. Our inability to talk has been a concern to us, as it has been for you.
"You have indicated that you want us to do and say certain things. You've asked us to say, quote, We have caught the sniper like a duck in a noose, end quote. We understand that hearing us say this is important to you.
"However, we want you to know how difficult it has been to understand what you want because you have chosen to use only notes, indirect messages and calls to other jurisdictions. The solution remains to call us and get a private toll-free number established just for you.
"We still ask you to call or write us at P.O. Box 7875, Gaithersburg, Md., 20898-7875. If you are reluctant to contact us, be assured that we remain ready to talk, directly with you. Our word is our bond.
"If we can establish communications with you, we can offer other means of addressing what you have asked us for. Let's talk directly. We have an answer for you about your option. We are waiting for you to contact us."
His statements at briefings:
Sunday: "To the person who left us a message at the Ponderosa last night. You gave us a telephone number. We do want to talk to you. Call us at the number you provided. Thank you."
Monday morning: "The message that needs to be delivered is that we are going to respond to a message that we have received. We are preparing our response at this time."
Monday afternoon: "The person you called could not hear everything you said. The audio was unclear and we want to get it right. Call us back so that we can clearly understand."
Tuesday afternoon: "We have received a communication and we will be responding soon."
Tuesday night: "These past several days, you have attempted to communicate with us. We have researched the options you stated and found that it is not possible electronically to comply in the manner that you requested. However, we remain open and ready to talk to you about the options you have mentioned. It is important that we do this without anyone else getting hurt. Call us at the same number you used before to obtain the 800 number that you have requested. If you would feel more comfortable, a private post office box or another secure method can be provided. You indicated that this is about more than violence. We are waiting to hear from you."
Wednesday night: "We understand that you communicated with us by calling several different locations. Our inability to talk has been a concern to us, as it has been for you.
"You have indicated that you want us to do and say certain things. You've asked us to say, quote, We have caught the sniper like a duck in a noose, end quote. We understand that hearing us say this is important to you.
"However, we want you to know how difficult it has been to understand what you want because you have chosen to use only notes, indirect messages and calls to other jurisdictions. The solution remains to call us and get a private toll-free number established just for you.
"We still ask you to call or write us at P.O. Box 7875, Gaithersburg, Md., 20898-7875. If you are reluctant to contact us, be assured that we remain ready to talk, directly with you. Our word is our bond.
"If we can establish communications with you, we can offer other means of addressing what you have asked us for. Let's talk directly. We have an answer for you about your option. We are waiting for you to contact us."
Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press
